Hexa-, Hepta-, and Octapeptides Having Antiangiogenic Activity

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula (SEQ ID NO:1), which are useful for treating conditions that arise from or are exacerbated by angiogenesis, are described. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of treatment using these compounds, and methods of inhibiting angiogenesis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/283,553, filed Oct. 30, 2002 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/335,035, filed on Oct. 31,2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting angiogenesis,methods of treating cancer, and compounds having activity useful fortreating conditions which arise from or are exacerbated by angiogenesis.Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compoundsand methods of treatment using the compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Angiogenesis is the fundamental process by which new blood vessels areformed and is essential to a variety of normal body activities (such asreproduction, development and wound repair). Although the process is notcompletely understood, it is believed to involve a complex interplay ofmolecules which both stimulate and inhibit the growth of endothelialcells, the primary cells of the capillary blood vessels. Under normalconditions these molecules appear to maintain the microvasculature in aquiescent state (i.e., one of no capillary growth) for prolonged periodsthat may last for weeks, or in some cases, decades. However, whennecessary, such as during wound repair, these same cells can undergorapid proliferation and turnover within as little as five days.

Although angiogenesis is a highly regulated process under normalconditions, many diseases (characterized as “angiogenic diseases”) aredriven by persistent unregulated angiogenesis. Otherwise stated,unregulated angiogenesis may either cause a particular disease directlyor exacerbate an existing pathological condition. For example, thegrowth and metastasis of solid tumors have been shown to beangiogenesis-dependent. Based on these findings, there is a continuingneed for compounds which demonstrate antiangiogenic activity due totheir potential use in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer.

Peptides having angiogenesis inhibiting properties have been describedin commonly-owned WO01/38397, WO01/38347, WO99/61476, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/915,956. However, it would be desirable toprepare antiangiogenic compounds having improved profiles of activityand smaller size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its principle embodiment, the present invention provides a compoundof formula (I) (I) Xaa₁-Xaa₂-Xaa₃-Xaa₄-Xaa₅-Xaa₆-Xaa₇- (SEQ ID NO:1)Xaa₈-Xaa₉,or a therapeutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

Xaa₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen andR—(CH₂)_(n)—C(O)—, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 8 and R is selectedfrom the group consisting of alkoxy, alkyl, amino, aryl, carboxyl,cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle;

Xaa₂ is selected from the group consisting of alanyl,(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopen-2-ene-4-carbonyl, asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl,t-butylglycyl, citrullyl, cyclohexylglycyl, glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl,glutamyl, glycyl, histidyl, isoleucyl, leucyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl),methionyl, norvalyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl, homoseryl, seryl,thienylalanyl, threonyl, D-valyl, and valyl;

Xaa₃ is selected from the group consisting of D-alanyl, D-alloisoleucyl,D-allylglycyl, D-4-chlorophenylalanyl, D-citrullyl,D-3-cyanophenylalanyl, D-homophenylalanyl, D-homoseryl, isoleucyl,D-isoleucyl, D-leucyl, N-methyl-D-leucyl, D-norleucyl, D-norvalyl,D-penicillaminyl, D-phenylalanyl, D-prolyl, D-seryl, D-thienylalanyl,and D-threonyl;

Xaa₄ is selected from the group consisting of allothreonyl, aspartyl,glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl, N-methylglutaminyl, glycyl, histidyl,homoseryl, isoleucyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), methionyl, D-norvalyl,N-methylnorvalyl, seryl, N-methylseryl, threonyl, D-threonyl, tryptyl,tyrosyl, tyrosyl(O-methyl), and N-methylvalyl;

Xaa₅ is selected from the group consisting of alanyl, N-methylalanyl,allothreonyl, arginyl, glutaminyl, glycyl, homoseryl, leucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norleucyl, norvalyl, D-norvalyl,N-methylnorvalyl, octylglycyl, ornithyl(N-delta acetyl),3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, sarcosyl, seryl, N-methylseryl, threonyl, tryptyl,valyl, and N-methylvalyl;

Xaa₆ is selected from the group consisting of alanyl, alloisoleucyl,aspartyl, citrullyl, isoleucyl, D-isoleucyl, N-methylisoleucyl, leucyl,D-leucyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norvalyl,phenylalanyl, prolyl, and D-prolyl;

Xaa₇ is selected from the group consisting of arginyl, D-arginyl,citrullyl, histidyl, homoarginyl, lysyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-isopropyl),ornithyl, and 3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl;

Xaa₈ is absent or selected from the group consisting ofN-methyl-D-alanyl, 2-aminobutyryl, 2-aminoisobutyryl, D-glutaminyl,homoprolyl, hydroxyprolyl, leucyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl, D-prolyl, andD-valyl; and

Xaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of D-alanylamide,azaglycylamide, glycylamide, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide,D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide, hydroxyl, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, a grouprepresented by the formula —NH—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹R², and a group representedby the formula —NHR³, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 8; R¹ isselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkenyl, andcycloalkyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, andhydroxyl, with the proviso that when n is 0, R² is other than alkoxy orhydroxyl; and R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, and hydroxyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a therapeuticallyacceptable salt thereof, in combination with a therapeuticallyacceptable carrier.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofinhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in recognized need of such treatmentcomprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically acceptableamount of a compound of formula (I), or a therapeutically acceptablesalt thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method oftreating cancer in a mammal in recognized need of such treatmentcomprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically acceptableamount of a compound of claim 1 or a therapeutically acceptable saltthereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl; and Xaa₁, Xaa₂, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅,Xaa₆, Xaa₈, and Xaa₉ are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl; Xaa₉ is D-alanylamide; and Xaa₁,Xaa₂, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, and Xaa₈ are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl; Xaa₉ is selected from the groupconsisting of —NHCH₂CH₃, NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, andlysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide; and Xaa₁, Xaa₂, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅, Xaa₆,and Xaa₈ are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl; Xaa₉ is selected from the groupconsisting of —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, andlysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide; Xaa₂ is selected from the group consistingof valyl and D-valyl; and Xaa₁, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, and Xaa₈ are asdefined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl; Xaa₉ is selected from the groupconsisting of —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, andlysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide; Xaa₂ is selected from the group consistingof asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norvalyl,prolyl, and thienylalanyl; and Xaa₁, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, and Xaa₈are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl; Xaa₉ is selected from the groupconsisting of —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, andlysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide; Xaa₂ is selected from the group consistingof alanyl, (1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl, glutaminyl,D-glutaminyl, histidyl, homoseryl, isoleucyl, phenylalanyl,3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, and threonyl; and Xaa₁, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, andXaa₈ are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is citrullyl; and Xaa₁, Xaa₂, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅,Xaa₆, Xaa₈, and Xaa₉ are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₇ is citrullyl; Xaa₉ is D-alanylamide; and Xaa₁,Xaa₂, Xaa₃, Xaa₄, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, and Xaa₈ are as defined in formula (I).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₁ is R—(CH₂)_(n)—C(O)—, wherein n is 0 and R isalkyl wherein methyl is a preferred alkyl group; Xaa₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of alanyl,(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl, asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl,glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl, histidyl, homoseryl, isoleucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norvalyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl,3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, thienylalanyl, threonyl, valyl, and D-valyl; Xaa₃is selected from the group consisting of D-alloisoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,D-leucyl, and D-homophenylalanyl; Xaa₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of allothreonyl, methionyl, N-methylvalyl, N-methylnorvalyl,D-norvalyl, seryl, threonyl, and tyrosyl; Xaa₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of glutaminyl, norvalyl, and seryl; Xaa₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of isoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), and prolyl; Xaa₇ isselected from the group consisting of citrullyl and arginyl; Xaa₈ isabsent or selected from the group consisting of prolyl and D-prolyl; andXaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of D-alanylamide, —NHCH₂CH₃,—NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, and lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound offormula (I) wherein Xaa₁ is R—(CH₂)_(n)—C(O)—, wherein n is 0 and R isheterocycle wherein the heterocycle is 6-methylpyridinyl; Xaa₂ isselected from the group consisting of alanyl,(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl, asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl,glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl, histidyl, homoseryl, isoleucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norvalyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl,3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, thienylalanyl, threonyl, valyl, and D-valyl; Xaa₃is selected from the group consisting of D-alloisoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,D-leucyl, and D-homophenylalanyl; Xaa₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of allothreonyl, methionyl, N-methylvalyl, N-methylnorvalyl,D-norvalyl, seryl, threonyl, and tyrosyl; Xaa₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of glutaminyl, norvalyl, and seryl; Xaa₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of isoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), and prolyl; Xaa₇ isselected from the group consisting of citrullyl and arginyl; Xaa₈ isabsent or selected from the group consisting of prolyl and D-prolyl; andXaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of D-alanylamide, —NHCH₂CH₃,—NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, and lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the present specification the following terms have themeanings indicated:

The term “alkoxy,” as used herein, represents an alkyl group attached tothe parent molecular moiety through an oxygen atom.

The term “alkyl,” as used herein, represents a monovalent group derivedfrom a straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon by the removalof a hydrogen atom. Preferred alkyl groups for the present inventioninvention are alkyl groups having from one to six carbon atoms (C₁-C₆alkyl). Alkyl groups of one to three carbon atoms (C₁-C₃ alkyl) are morepreferred for the present invention.

The term “alkylcarbonyl,” as used herein, represents an alkyl groupattached to the parent molecular moiety through a carbonyl group.

The term “amino,” as used herein, represents —NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a)and R^(b) are independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, alkyl, and alkylcarbonyl.

The term “aryl,” as used herein, represents a phenyl group, or abicyclic or tricyclic fused ring system wherein one or more of the fusedrings is a phenyl group. Bicyclic fused ring systems are exemplified bya phenyl group fused to a cycloalkenyl group, as defined herein, acycloalkyl group, as defined herein, or another phenyl group. Tricyclicfused ring systems are exemplified by a bicyclic fused ring system fusedto a cycloalkenyl group, as defined herein, a cycloalkyl group, asdefined herein or another phenyl group. Representative examples of arylinclude, but are not limited to, anthracenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl,indanyl, indenyl, naphthyl, phenyl, and tetrahydronaphthyl. The arylgroups of the present invention can be optionally substituted with one,two, three, four, or five substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of alkoxy, alkyl, carboxyl, halo, and hydroxyl.

The term “carbonyl,” as used herein, represents —C(O)—.

The term “carboxyl,” as used herein, represents —CO₂H.

The term “cycloalkenyl,” as used herein, refers to a non-aromatic cyclicor bicyclic ring system having three to ten carbon atoms and one tothree rings, wherein each five-membered ring has one double bond, eachsix-membered ring has one or two double bonds, each seven- andeight-membered ring has one to three double bonds, and each nine-toten-membered ring has one to four double bonds. Examples of cycloalkenylgroups include cyclohexenyl, octahydronaphthalenyl, norbornylenyl, andthe like. The cycloalkenyl groups of the present invention can beoptionally substituted with one, two, three, four, or five substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, alkyl,carboxyl, halo, and hydroxyl.

The term “cycloalkyl,” as used herein, refers to a saturated monocyclic,bicyclic, or tricyclic hydrocarbon ring system having three to twelvecarbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl,cyclopentyl, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl, adamantyl, and the like. Thecycloalkyl groups of the present invention can be optionally substitutedwith one, two, three, four, or five substituents independently selectedfrom the group consisting of alkoxy, alkyl, carboxyl, halo, andhydroxyl.

The term “halo,” as used herein, represents F, Cl, Br, or I.

The term “heterocycle,” as used herein, refers to a five-, six-, orseven-membered ring containing one, two, or three heteroatomsindependently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen,and sulfur. The five-membered ring has zero to two double bonds and thesix- and seven-membered rings have zero to three double bonds. The term“heterocycle” also includes bicyclic groups in which the heterocyclering is fused to an aryl group, as defined herein. The heterocyclegroups of the present invention can be attached through a carbon atom ora nitrogen atom in the group. Examples of heterocycles include, but arenot limited to, furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, oxazolyl,thiazolyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl,isothiazolyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl,pyridinyl, indolyl, indolinyl, benzothienyl, and the like. Theheterocycle groups of the present invention can be optionallysubstituted with one, two, three, or four substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of alkoxy, alkyl, carboxyl, halo, andhydroxyl.

The term “hydroxyl,” as used herein, represents —OH.

The term “therapeutically acceptable salt,” as used herein, representssalts or zwitterionic forms of the compounds of the present inventionwhich are water or oil-soluble or dispersible, which are suitable fortreatment of diseases without undue toxicity, irritation, and allergicresponse; which are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio,and which are effective for their intended use. The salts can beprepared during the final isolation and purification of the compounds orseparately by reacting an amino group with a suitable acid.Representative acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, alginate,citrate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate,camphorate, camphorsulfonate, digluconate, glycerophosphate,hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, formate, fumarate, hydrochloride,hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethansulfonate, lactate, maleate,mesitylenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthylenesulfonate, nicotinate,2-naphthalenesulfonate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate,3-phenylproprionate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate,trichloroacetate,trifluoroacetate, phosphate, glutamate, bicarbonate,para-toluenesulfonate, and undecanoate. Also, amino groups in thecompounds of the present invention can be quaternized with methyl,ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides; dimethyl,diethyl, dibutyl, and diamyl sulfates; decyl, lauryl, myristyl, andsteryl chlorides, bromides, and iodides; and benzyl and phenethylbromides. Examples of acids which can be employed to formtherapeutically acceptable addition salts include inorganic acids suchas hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, and phosphoric, and organicacids such as oxalic, maleic, succinic, and citric.

Unless indicated otherwise by a “D” prefix, e.g., D-Ala or NMe-D-Ile,the stereochemistry of the α-carbon of the amino acids and aminoacylresidues in peptides described in this specification and the appendedclaims is the natural or “L” configuration. The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog “R”and “S” designations are used to specify the stereochemistry of chiralcenters in certain acyl substituents at the N-terminus of the peptidesof this invention. The designation “R,S” is meant to indicate a racemicmixture of the two enantiomeric forms. This nomenclature follows thatdescribed in R. S. Cahn, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 5, 385-415(1966).

All peptide sequences are written according to the generally acceptedconvention whereby the α-N-terminal amino acid residue is on the leftand the α-C-terminal is on the right. As used herein, the term“α-N-terminus” refers to the free α-amino group of an amino acid in apeptide, and the term “α-C-terminus” refers to the free α-carboxylicacid terminus of an amino acid in a peptide.

For the most part, the names on naturally occurring and non-naturallyoccurring aminoacyl residues used herein follow the naming conventionssuggested by the IUPAC Commission on the Nomenclature of OrganicChemistry and the IUPAC-IUB Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature asset out in “Nomenclature of α-Amino Acids (Recommendations, 1974)”Biochemistry, 14(2), (1975). To the extent that the names andabbreviations of amino acids and aminoacyl residues employed in thisspecification and appended claims differ from those suggestions, theywill be made clear to the reader. Some abbreviations useful indescribing the invention are defined below in the following Table 1.TABLE 1 Abbreviation Definition Ala alanyl AlaNH₂ alanylamide aIlealloisoleucyl alloThr allothreonyl alloThr(t-Bu)allothreonyl(O-tert-butyl) Arg arginyl Arg(Pmc)arginyl(N^(G)-2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman- 6-sulfonyl) Arg(Pbf)N^(G)-(2,2,4,6,7- pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5- sulfonyl)arginine Asnasparaginyl Asn(Trt) asparaginyl(trityl) Asp aspartyl Cit citrullyl EtCH₂CH₃ Fmoc 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl Gln glutaminyl Gln(Trt)glutaminyl(trityl) Glu glutamyl Gly glycyl His histidyl His(Trt)histidyl(trityl) Hphe homophenylalanyl Hser homoseryl Ile isoleucyl Leuleucyl Lys lysyl Lys(Ac) lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl) Lys(Ac)NH₂lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide Met methionyl 6-Me-nicotinyl6-methylnicotinyl Nle norleucyl Nva norvalyl NMeNva N-methylnorvalyl Ornornithyl Orn(Ac) ornithyl(N-delta-acetyl) Pen penicillaminyl Phephenylalanyl Pro prolyl Pro-NH₂ prolylamide Pro-NHCH₂CH₃prolylethylamide Pro-NHCH(CH₃)₂ prolylisopropylamide 3-Pal3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl Sar sarcosyl Ser seryl Ser(t-Bu) Ser(O-tert-Butyl)Thi thienylalanyl Thr threonyl Thr(t-Bu) threonyl(O-tert-butyl) Trptryptyl Tyr tyrosyl Tyr(t-Bu) Tyr(O-tert-Butyl) Val valyl NMeValN-methylvalyl

When not found in the table above, nomenclature and abbreviations may befurther clarified by reference to the Calbiochem-Novabiochem Corp. 1999Catalog and Peptide Synthesis Handbook or the Chem-Impex International,Inc. Tools for Peptide & Solid Phase Synthesis 1998-1999 Catalogue.

Compositions

The compounds of the invention, including not limited to those specifiedin the examples, possess anti-angiogenic activity. As angiogenesisinhibitors, such compounds are useful in the treatment of both primaryand metastatic solid tumors, including carcinomas of breast, colon,rectum, lung, oropharynx, hypopharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas,liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, small intestine, urinary tract(including kidney, bladder and urothelium), female genital tract(including cervix, uterus, and ovaries as well as choriocarcinoma andgestational trophoblastic disease), male genital tract (includingprostate, seminal vesicles, testes and germ cell tumors), endocrineglands (including the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands), and skin,as well as hemangiomas, melanomas, sarcomas (including those arisingfrom bone and soft tissues as well as Kaposi's sarcoma) and tumors ofthe brain, nerves, eyes, and meninges (including astrocytomas, gliomas,glioblastomas, retinoblastomas, neuromas, neuroblastomas, Schwannomas,and meningiomas). Such compounds may also be useful in treating solidtumors arising from hematopoietic malignancies such as leukemias (i.e.,chloromas, plasmacytomas and the plaques and tumors of mycosisfungosides and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/leukemia) as well as in thetreatment of lymphomas (both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). Inaddition, these compounds may be useful in the prevention of metastasesfrom the tumors described above either when used alone or in combinationwith radiotherapy and/or other chemotherapeutic agents.

Further uses include the treatment and prophylaxis of autoimmunediseases such as rheumatoid, immune and degenerative arthritis; variousocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy ofprematurity, corneal graft rejection, retrolental fibroplasia,neovascular glaucoma, rubeosis, retinal neovascularization due tomacular degeneration, hypoxia, angiogenesis in the eye associated withinfection or surgical intervention, and other abnormalneovascularization conditions of the eye; skin diseases such aspsoriasis; blood vessel diseases such as hemagiomas, and capillaryproliferation within atherosclerotic plaques; Osler-Webber Syndrome;myocardial angiogenesis; plaque neovascularization; telangiectasia;hemophiliac joints; angiofibroma; and wound granulation. Other usesinclude the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormalstimulation of endothelial cells, including not limited to intestinaladhesions, Crohn's disease, atherosclerosis, scleroderma, andhypertrophic scars (i.e., keloids). Another use is as a birth controlagent, by inhibiting ovulation and establishment of the placenta. Thecompounds of the invention are also useful in the treatment of diseasesthat have angiogenesis as a pathologic consequence such as cat scratchdisease (Rochele minutesalia quintosa) and ulcers (Helicobacter pylori).The compounds of the invention are also useful to reduce bleeding byadministration prior to surgery, especially for the treatment ofresectable tumors.

The compounds of the invention may be used in combination with othercompositions and procedures for the treatment of diseases. For example,a tumor may be treated conventionally with surgery, radiation orchemotherapy combined with a peptide of the present invention and then apeptide of the present invention may be subsequently administered to thepatient to extend the dormancy of micrometastases and to stabilize andinhibit the growth of any residual primary tumor. Additionally, thecompounds of the invention may be combined with pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients, and optionally sustained-release matrices, suchas biodegradable polymers, to form therapeutic compositions.

A sustained-release matrix, as used herein, is a matrix made ofmaterials, usually polymers, which are degradable by enzymatic oracid-base hydrolysis or by dissolution. Once inserted into the body, thematrix is acted upon by enzymes and body fluids. A sustained-releasematrix desirably is chosen from biocompatible materials such asliposomes, polylactides (polylactic acid), polyglycolide (polymer ofglycolic acid), polylactide co-glycolide (copolymers of lactic acid andglycolic acid) polyanhydrides, poly(ortho)esters, polypeptides,hyaluronic acid, collagen, chondroitin sulfate, carboxylic acids, fattyacids, phospholipids, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, polyamino acids,amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, isoleucine,polynucleotides, polyvinyl propylene, polyvinylpyrrolidone and silicone.A preferred biodegradable matrix is a matrix of one of eitherpolylactide, polyglycolide, or polylactide co-glycolide (co-polymers oflactic acid and glycolic acid).

When used in the above or other treatments, a therapeutically effectiveamount of one of the compounds of the present invention may be employedin pure form or, where such forms exist, in pharmaceutically acceptablesalt form. By a “therapeutically effective amount” of the compound ofthe invention is meant a sufficient amount of the compound to treat anangiogenic disease, (for example, to limit tumor growth or to slow orblock tumor metastasis) at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable toany medical treatment. It will be understood, however, that the totaldaily usage of the compounds and compositions of the present inventionwill be decided by the attending physician within the scope of soundmedical judgment. The specific therapeutically effective dose level forany particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors includingthe disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; activity ofthe specific compound employed; the specific composition employed, theage, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the timeof administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of thespecific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used incombination or coincidential with the specific compound employed; andlike factors well known in the medical arts. For example, it is wellwithin the skill of the art to start doses of the compound at levelslower than those required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect andto gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved.

Alternatively, a compound of the present invention may be administeredas pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of interest incombination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient refers to a non-toxicsolid, semi-solid or liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material orformulation auxiliary of any type. The compositions may be administeredparenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally,topically (as by powders, ointments, drops or transdermal patch),rectally, or bucally. The term “parenteral” as used herein refers tomodes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular,intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and intraarticular injectionand infusion.

Pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral injection comprisepharmaceutically-acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions,dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, as well as sterile powders forreconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions justprior to use. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers,diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (such asglycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like),carboxymethylcellulose and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils(such as olive oil), and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate.Proper fluidity may be maintained, for example, by the use of coatingmaterials such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particlesize in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preservative,wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents. Prevention ofthe action of microorganisms may be ensured by the inclusion of variousantibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben,chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also bedesirable to include isotonic agents such as sugars, sodium chloride,and the like. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical formmay be brought about by the inclusion of agents which delay absorption,such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsule matrices ofthe drug in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide,poly(orthoesters), poly(anhydrides), and (poly)glycols, such as PEG.Depending upon the ratio of drug to polymer and the nature of theparticular polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be controlled.Depot injectable formulations are also prepared by entrapping the drugin liposomes or microemulsions which are compatible with body tissues.

The injectable formulations may be sterilized, for example, byfiltration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporatingsterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which canbe dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectablemedium just prior to use.

Topical administration includes administration to the skin or mucosa,including surfaces of the lung and eye. Compositions for topicaladministration, including those for inhalation, may be prepared as a drypowder which may be pressurized or non-pressurized. In non-pressurizedpowder compositions, the active ingredient in finely divided form may beused in admixture with a larger-sized pharmaceutically-acceptable inertcarrier comprising particles having a size, for example, of up to 100micrometers in diameter. Suitable inert carriers include sugars such aslactose. Desirably, at least 95% by weight of the particles of theactive ingredient have an effective particle size in the range of 0.01to 10 micrometers.

Alternatively, the composition may be pressurized and contain acompressed gas, such as nitrogen or a liquified gas propellant. Theliquified propellant medium and indeed the total composition ispreferably such that the active ingredient does not dissolve therein toany substantial extent. The pressurized composition may also contain asurface active agent, such as a liquid or solid non-ionic surface activeagent or may be a solid anionic surface active agent. It is preferred touse the solid anionic surface active agent in the form of a sodium salt.

A further form of topical administration is to the eye. A compound ofthe invention is delivered in a pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmicvehicle, such that the compound is maintained in contact with the ocularsurface for a sufficient time period to allow the compound to penetratethe corneal and internal regions of the eye, as for example the anteriorchamber, posterior chamber, vitreous body, aqueous humor, vitreoushumor, cornea, iris/ciliary, lens, choroid/retina and sclera. Thepharmaceutically-acceptable ophthalmic vehicle may, for example, be anointment, vegetable oil or an encapsulating material. Alternatively, thecompounds of the invention may be injected directly into the vitreousand aqueous humour.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferablysuppositories which may be prepared by mixing the compounds of thisinvention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such ascocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solidat room temperature liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in therectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound.

Compounds of the present invention may also be administered in the formof liposomes. As is known in the art, liposomes are generally derivedfrom phospholipids or other lipid substances. Liposomes are formed bymono- or multi-lamellar hydrated liquid crystals that are dispersed inan aqueous medium. Any non-toxic, physiologically-acceptable andmetabolizable lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. Thepresent compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to acompound of the present invention, stabilizers, preservatives,excipients, and the like. The preferred lipids are the phospholipids andthe phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic.Methods to form liposomes are known in the art. See, for example,Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell Biology, Volume XIV, Academic Press, NewYork, N.Y. (1976), p. 33 et seq.

While the compounds of the invention can be administered as the soleactive pharmaceutical agent, they may also be used in combination withone or more agents which are conventionally administered to patients fortreating angiogenic diseases. For example, the compounds of theinvention are effective over the short term to make tumors moresensitive to traditional cytotoxic therapies such as chemicals andradiation. The compounds of the invention also enhance the effectivenessof existing cytotoxic adjuvant anti-cancer therapies. The compounds ofthe invention may also be combined with other antiangiogenic agents toenhance their effectiveness, or combined with other antiangiogenicagents and administered together with other cytotoxic agents. Inparticular, when used in the treatment of solid tumors, compounds of theinvention may be administered with IL-12, retinoids, interferons,angiostatin, endostatin, thalidomide, thrombospondin-1,thrombospondin-2, captopryl, angioinhibins, TNP-470, pentosanpolysulfate, platelet factor 4, LM-609, SU-5416, CM-101, Tecogalan,plasminogen-K-5, vasostatin, vitaxin, vasculostatin, squalamine,marimastat or other MMP inhibitors, anti-neoplastic agents such as alphainteferon, COMP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate andprednisone), etoposide, mBACOD (methortrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin,cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dexamethasone), PRO-MACE/MOPP(prednisone, methotrexate (w/leucovin rescue), doxorubicin,cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, taxol, etoposide/mechlorethamine,vincristine, prednisone and procarbazine), vincristine, vinblastine, andthe like as well as with radiation.

Total daily dose of the compositions of the invention to be administeredto a human or other mammal host in single or divided doses may be inamounts, for example, from 0.0001 to 300 mg/kg body weight daily andmore usually 1 to 300 mg/kg body weight.

It will be understood that agents which can be combined with thecompound of the present invention for the inhibition, treatment orprophylaxis of angiogenic diseases are not limited to those listedabove, include in principle any agents useful for the treatment orprophylaxis of angiogenic diseases.

Determination of Biological Activity

In Vitro Assay for Angiogenic Activity

The human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) migration assay was runaccording to the procedure of S. S. Tolsma, O. V. Volpert, D. J. Good,W. F. Frazier, P. J. Polverini and N. Bouck, J. Cell Biol. 1993, 122,497-511.

The HMVEC migration assay was carried out using Human MicrovascularEndothelial Cells-Dermal (single donor) and Human MicrovascularEndothelial Cells, (neonatal). The HMVEC cells were starved overnight inDME containing 0.01% bovine serum albuminutes (BSA). Cells were thenharvested with trypsin and resuspended in DME with 0.01% BSA at aconcentration of 1.5×106 cells per mL. Cells were added to the bottom ofa 48 well modified Boyden chamber (Nucleopore Corporation, Cabin John,Md.). The chamber was assembled and inverted, and cells were allowed toattach for 2 hours at 37° C. to polycarbonate chemotaxis membranes (5 μmpore size) that had been soaked in 0.01% gelatin overnight and dried.The chamber was then reinverted, and test substances (total volume of 50μL), including activators, 15 ng/mL bFGF/VEGF, were added to the wellsof the upper chamber. The apparatus was incubated for 4 hours at 37° C.Membranes were recovered, fixed and stained (Diff Quick, FisherScientific) and the number of cells that had migrated to the upperchamber per 3 high power fields counted. Background migration to DME+0.1BSA was subtracted and the data reported as the number of cells migratedper 10 high power fields (400×) or, when results from multipleexperiments were combined, as the percent inhibition of migrationcompared to a positive control.

Representative compounds of the present invention inhibited humanendothelial cell migration in the above assay by at least 45% whentested at a concentration of 1 nM. Preferred compounds inhibited humanendothelial cell migration by approximately 60% to 90% when tested at aconcentration of 1 nM and most preferred compounds inhibited humanendothelial cell migration by approximately 80% or more at 0.1 nM. Asshown by these results, the compounds of the present inventiondemonstate enhanced potency as compared to previously describedantiangiogenic peptides.

Synthesis of the Peptides

This invention is intended to encompass compounds having formula (I)when prepared by synthetic processes or by metabolic processes.Preparation of the compounds of the invention by metabolic processesinclude those occurring in the human or animal body (in vivo) orprocesses occurring in vitro.

The polypeptides of the present invention may be synthesized by manytechniques that are known to those skilled in the art. For solid phasepeptide synthesis, a summary of the many techniques may be found in J.M. Stewart and J. D. Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, W.H. FreemanCo. (San Francisco), 1963 and J. Meienhofer, Hormonal Proteins andPeptides, vol. 2, p. 46, Academic Press (New York), 1973. For classicalsolution synthesis see G. Schroder and K. Lupke, The Peptides, vol. 1,Academic Press (New York), 1965.

Reagents, resins, amino acids, and amino acid derivatives arecommercially available and can be purchased from Chem-ImpexInternational, Inc. (Wood Dale, Ill., U.S.A.) or Calbiochem-NovabiochemCorp. (San Diego, Calif., U.S.A.) unless otherwise noted herein.

In general, these methods comprise the sequential addition of one ormore amino acids or suitably protected amino acids to a growing peptidechain. Normally, either the amino or carboxyl group of the first aminoacid is protected by a suitable protecting group. The protected orderivatized amino acid can then be either attached to an inert solidsupport or utilized in solution by adding the next amino acid in thesequence having the complimentary (amino or carboxyl) group suitablyprotected, under conditions suitable for forming the amide linkage. Theprotecting group is then removed from this newly added amino acidresidue and the next amino acid (suitably protected) is then added, andso forth. After all the desired amino acids have been linked in theproper sequence, any remaining protecting groups (and any solid support)are removed sequentially or concurrently, to afford the finalpolypeptide. By simple modification of this general procedure, it ispossible to add more than one amino acid at a time to a growing chain,for example, by coupling (under conditions which do not racemize chiralcenters) a protected tripeptide with a properly protected dipeptide toform, after deprotection, a pentapeptide.

A particularly preferred method of preparing compounds of the presentinvention involves solid phase peptide synthesis. In this particularlypreferred method the α-amino function is protected by an acid or basesensitive group. Such protecting groups should have the properties ofbeing stable to the conditions of peptide linkage formation, while beingreadily removable without destruction of the growing peptide chain orracemization of any of the chiral centers contained therein. Suitableprotecting groups are 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc),t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc), benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz),biphenylisopropyl-oxycarbonyl, t-amyloxycarbonyl, isobornyloxycarbonyl,(αα)-dimethyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, O-nitrophenylsulfenyl,2-cyano-t-butyloxycarbonyl, and the like. The9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protecting group is preferred.

Particularly preferred side chain protecting groups are: for arginine:2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-sulfonyl (Pmc), and2,2,4,6,7-pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-S-sulfonyl (Pbf); for asparagine:trityl (Trt); for glutamine: trityl (Trt); for lysine: t-butoxycarbonyl(Boc); for seryl: t-butyl (t-Bu); for threonine and allothreonine:t-butyl (t-Bu); for tryptophan: t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc); and fortyrosine: t-butyl (t-Bu).

In the solid phase peptide synthesis method, the C-terminal amino acidis attached to a suitable solid support or resin. Suitable solidsupports useful for the above synthesis are those materials which areinert to the reagents and reaction conditions of the stepwisecondensation-deprotection reactions, as well as being insoluble in themedia used. The preferred solid support for synthesis of C-terminalcarboxyl peptides is Sieber amide resin or Sieber ethylamide resin. Thepreferred solid support for C-terminal amide peptides is Sieberethylamide resin available from Novabiochem Corporation.

The C-terminal amino acid is coupled to the resin by means of a couplingmediated by N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC),N,N′-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC),[O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate] (HATU), orO-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate(HBTU), with or without 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP),1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT), N-methylmorpholine (NMM),benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium-hexafluorophosphate(BOP) or bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphine chloride (BOPCl), for about1 to about 24 hours at a temperature of between 10° C. and 50° C. in asolvent such as dichloromethane or DMF.

When the solid support is Sieber amide or Sieber ethylamide resin, theFmoc group is cleaved with a secondary amine, preferably piperidine,prior to coupling with the C-terminal amino acid as described above. Thepreferred reagents used in the coupling to the deprotected4-(2′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl-Fmoc-aminomethyl)phenoxyacetamidoethyl resinare O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate(HBTU, 1 equiv.) with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT, 1 equiv.), or[O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate] (HATU, 1 equiv.) with N-methylmorpholine (1 equiv.)in DMF.

The coupling of successive protected amino acids can be carried out inan automatic polypeptide synthesizer as is well known in the art. In apreferred embodiment, the α-amino function in the amino acids of thegrowing peptide chain are protected with Fmoc. The removal of the Fmocprotecting group from the N-terminal side of the growing peptide isaccomplished by treatment with a secondary amine, preferably piperidine.Each protected amino acid is then introduced in about 3-fold molarexcess and the coupling is preferably carried out in DMF. The couplingagent is normallyO-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate(HBTU, 1 equiv.) or[O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate] (HATU, 1 equiv.) in the presence ofN-methylmorpholine (NMM, 1 equiv.).

At the end of the solid phase synthesis, the polypeptide is removed fromthe resin and deprotected, either in succession or in a singleoperation. Removal of the polypeptide and deprotection can beaccomplished in a single operation by treating the resin-boundpolypeptide with a cleavage reagent, for example trifluoroacetic acidcontaining thianisole, water, or ethanedithiol.

In cases where the C-terminus of the polypeptide is an alkylamide, theresin is cleaved by aminolysis with an alkylamine. Alternatively, thepeptide may be removed by transesterification, e.g. with methanol,followed by aminolysis or by direct transamidation. The protectedpeptide may be purified at this point or taken to the next stepdirectly. The removal of the side chain protecting groups isaccomplished using the cleavage cocktail described above.

The fully deprotected peptide is purified by a sequence ofchromatographic steps employing any or all of the following types: ionexchange on a weakly basic resin in the acetate form; hydrophobicadsorption chromatography on underivitized polystyrene-divinylbenzene(for example, AMBERLITE® XAD); silica gel adsorption chromatography; ionexchange chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose; partitionchromatography, e.g., on SEPHADEX® G-25, LH-20 or countercurrentdistribution; high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), especiallyreverse-phase HPLC on octyl- or octadecylsilyl-silica bonded phasecolumn packing.

The foregoing may be better understood in light of the examples whichare meant to describe compounds and process which can be carried out inaccordance with the invention and are not intended as a limitation onthe scope of the invention in any way.

Abbreviations which have been used in the following examples are: AM foraminomethyl; DIEA for diisopropylethylamine DMA for dimethylacetamide;DMF for N,N-dimethylformamide; HATU forO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhaxafluorophosphate; HBTU forO-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate; NMMfor N-methylmorpholine; NMP for N-methylpyrrolidone; TFA fortrifluoroacetic acid and THF for tetrahydrofuran.

EXAMPLE 1 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

In the reaction vessel of a Rainin peptide synthesizer was placedFmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide resin (0.25 g, 0.4 mmol/g loading). The resinwas solvated with DMF and amino acids were coupled sequentiallyaccording to the following synthetic cycle:

-   (1) 3×1.5 minute washes with DMF;-   (2) 2×15 minute deprotection using 20% piperidine;-   (3) 6×3 minute washes with DMF;-   (4) addition of amino acid;-   (5) activation of amino acid with 0.4 M HBTU/NMM and coupling;-   (6) 3×1.5 minute washes with DMF.

The protected amino acids were coupled to the resin in the followingorder: Protected Amino Acid Coupling Time Fmoc-Arg(Pmc) 30 minutesFmoc-Ile 30 minutes Fmoc-Nva 30 minutes Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu) 30 minutesFmoc-D-Ile 30 minutes Fmoc-Val 30 minutes acetic acid 30 minutes

Upon completion of the synthesis the peptide was cleaved from the resinusing a mixture of (95:2.5:2.5) TFA/anisole/water for 3 hours. Thepeptide solution was concentrated under vacuum and then precipitatedwith diethyl ether and collected by filtration. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.36 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 866 (M+H)⁺;Amino Acid Anal.: 1.01 Val; 2.06 Ile; 0.44 Thr; 1.00 Nva; 1.10 Arg; 1.02Pro.

EXAMPLE 2 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-aIle forFmoc-D-Ile in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified byHPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutesin a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA.The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.16 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 866.7 (M+H)⁺;Amino Acid Anal.: 0.99 Val; 2.10 Ile; 0.56 Thr; 1.03 Nva; 1.03 Arg; 1.01Pro.

EXAMPLE 3 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-alloThr(t-Bu) forFmoc-Thr(t-Bu) in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purifiedby HPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.13 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 866.7 (M+H)⁺;Amino Acid Anal.: 1.00 Val; 2.04 Ile; 0.51 Thr; 1.02 Nva; 1.03 Arg; 1.00Pro.

EXAMPLE 4 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-Gln(Trt) forFmoc-Nva in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified byHPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutesin a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA.The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=2.62 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 895.7 (M+H)⁺;Amino Acid Anal.: 1.01 Val; 2.07 Ile; 0.48 Thr; 0.96 Glu; 1.01 Arg; 0.99Pro.

EXAMPLE 5 N-(6-Me-nicotinyl)-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting 6-methylnicotinic acidfor acetic acid in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-(6-Me-nicotinyl)-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as thetrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=2.77 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 943.5 (M+H)⁺; Amino Acid Anal.: 1.02 Val; 2.09 Ile; 0.44 Thr;1.00 Nva; 1.01 Arg; 0.99 Pro.

EXAMPLE 6 N-Ac-Pro-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-Pro for Fmoc-Valin Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified by HPLC usinga C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in agradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Pro-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=2.73 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 864.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 7 N-Ac-Thi-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-Thi for Fmoc-Valin Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified by HPLC usinga C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in agradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Thi-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.34 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 920.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 8 N-Ac-Thi-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amideresin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide, Fmoc-D-Leu for Fmoc-D-Ile,Fmoc-Thi for Fmoc-Val and adding a coupling with Fmoc-Pro before thecoupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc) in Example 1. After workup the crude peptidewas purified by HPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Thi-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.34 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 963.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 9 N-Ac-Phe-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amideresin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide, Fmoc-Phe for Fmoc-Val and adding acoupling with Fmoc-Pro before the coupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc) inExample 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified by HPLC using aC-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradientfrom 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. The purefractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Phe-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.44 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 957.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 10 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amideresin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide, Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val andadding a coupling with Fmoc-Pro before the coupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc)in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified by HPLC usinga C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in agradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=1.47 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 938.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 11 N-Ac-Lys(Ac)-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-Lys(Ac) forFmoc-Val in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified byHPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutesin a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA.The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Lys(Ac)-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=2.31 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 937.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 12 N-Ac-D-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-Asn(Trt) forFmoc-Val and Fmoc-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile in Example 1. After workup thecrude peptide was purified by HPLC using a C-18 column and a solventmixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to provide N-Ac-DAsn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃as the trifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=1.11 minutes (gradient varying over10 minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 938.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 13 N-Ac-D-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-Gln(Trt) forFmoc-Val and Fmoc-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile in Example 1. After workup thecrude peptide was purified by HPLC using a C-18 column and a solventmixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to provide N-Ac-D-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃as the trifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=1.10 minutes (gradient varying over10 minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 952.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 14 N-Ac-D-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-D-Gln(Trt) forFmoc-Val in Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified byHPLC using a C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutesin a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA.The pure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-D-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=1.10 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 895.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 15 N-Ac-Nva-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting Fmoc-Nva for Fmoc-Valin Example 1. After workup the crude peptide was purified by HPLC usinga C-18 column and a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in agradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions were lyophilized to provideN-Ac-Nva-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as the trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=3.01 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 866.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 16N-Ac-[(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl]-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The desired product was prepared by substituting (1R,4S)N-Fmoc-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carboxylic acid for Fmoc-Val in Example 1.After workup the crude peptide was purified by HPLC using a C-18 columnand a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to100% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to provideN-Ac-[(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl]-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃as the trifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=2.50 minutes (gradient varying over10 minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 876.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 17 N-Ac-Thr-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Thr(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Thr-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=4.39 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 868.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 18 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=4.16 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 895.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 19 N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Asn(Trt) for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=4.10 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 881.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 20 N-Ac-D-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-D-Val for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptidewas cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide was purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-D-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=4.50 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 866.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 21 N-Ac-Phe-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substituting Fmoc-Phefor Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide was cleavedfrom resin and worked-up. The crude peptide was purified by HPLC usingC-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in agradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Phe-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=5.16 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 914.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 22 N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Asn(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Nva. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column andwith a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to100% acetonitrile-water containing 0. 01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=3.71 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 910.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 23 N-Ac-Hser-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Hser(Trt) for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Hser-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=4.07 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 868.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 24 N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Asn(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-Pro for Fmoc-Ile. Upon completion ofthe synthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. Thecrude peptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solventmixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.0 1% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=1.10 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 869.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 25 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu) andFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Nva. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=2.07 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 881.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 26 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Tyr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-Tyr(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu). Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column andwith a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Tyr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=1.81 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 957.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 27 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Arg(Pbf)-[4-(4-N-ethyl)methyl-3-methoxyphenoxy]butyryl AM resin forFmoc-Pro Sieber ethylamide resin, Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Nva andomitting the coupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc). Upon completion of thesynthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crudepeptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solventmixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=1.67 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 798.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 28 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-D-Nva-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-D-Nva for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu). Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-D-Nva-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=2.97 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 864.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 29 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-D-Nva-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-D-Nva for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu) and Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Nva. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column andwith a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-D-Nva-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=2.23 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 893.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 30 N-Ac-Val-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-D-Leu for Fmoc-D-Ile. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptidewas cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide was purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=2.59 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 866.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 31 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH(CH₃)₂

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Pro-[4-(4-N-isopropylamino)methyl-3-methoxyphenoxy]butyryl AM resininstead of Fmoc-Pro Sieber ethylamide resin. Upon completion of thesynthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crudepeptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solventmixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH(CH₃)₂ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=2.53 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 880.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 32 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Ser-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), andFmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Nva. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide was cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide waspurified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Ser-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=1.53 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 840.5 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 33 N-Ac-3-Pal-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-3-Pal for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptidewas cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide was purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-3-Pal-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt:R_(t)=0.85 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to 80%acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 915.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 34 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys(Ac)NH₂

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Lys(Ac)-Sieber amide resin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide andcoupling with Fmoc-Pro before coupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc). Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide was cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide was purified by HPLC using C-18 column andwith a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions werelyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys(Ac)NH₂ astrifluoroacetate salt: R_(t)=1.93 minutes (gradient varying over 10minutes from 20% to 80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS(ESI) m/e 1008.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 35

N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 was used but substitutingFmoc-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptidewas cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide was purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions were lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetatesalt: R_(t)=1.62 minutes (gradient varying over 10 minutes from 20% to80% acetonitrile/water containing 0.01% TFA); MS (ESI) m/e 923.6 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 36 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-alloThr(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu).Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resinand worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradientfrom 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The purefractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetatesalt.

EXAMPLE 37 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-alloThr(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu) and Fmoc-Pro for Fmoc-Ile. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 38 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Tyr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile and Fmoc-Tyr(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu). Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Tyr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 39 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-NMeVal-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-NMeVal for Fmoc-Nva and and using HATU instead of HBTU in thecoupling of NMeVal. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-NMeVal-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 40 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Thr-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), andFmoc-Thr(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Nva. Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide canbe purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Thr-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 41 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Cit-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amide resin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide, Fmoc-Citfor Fmoc-Arg(Pmc) and coupling with Fmoc-Pro before coupling withFmoc-Cit. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleavedfrom resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLCusing C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes ina gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Cit-Pro-D-AlaNH₂.

EXAMPLE 42 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-D-Pro-NH₂

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-Pro-Sieber amide resin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-D-Pro-NH₂ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 43 N-Ac-Gln-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile and Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Gln-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 44 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Arg(Pbf)-[4-(4-N-ethyl)methyl-3-methoxyphenoxy]butyryl AM resin forFmoc-Pro Sieber ethylamide resin and omitting the coupling withFmoc-Arg(Pmc). Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 45 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amide resin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide andcoupling with Fmoc-Pro before coupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc). Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 46 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Gln-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu),Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Nva, and Fmoc-Pro for Fmoc-Ile. Upon completionof the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up.The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with asolvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can belyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Gln-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 47 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile and Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu). Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 48 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-Ile for Fmoc-Ile and Fmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val. Upon completionof the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up.The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with asolvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can belyophilized to give N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 49 N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile and Fmoc-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 50 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Pro for Fmoc-Ile. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide canbe cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purifiedby HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 51 N-Ac-Asn-D-Leu-Ser-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Asn(Trt) for Fmoc-Val, Fmoc-D-Leu for Fmoc-D-Ile, andFmoc-Ser(t-Bu) for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu). Upon completion of the synthesis, thepeptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide canbe purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varyingover 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-watercontaining 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Asn-D-Leu-Ser-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 52 N-Ac-Asn-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, Fmoc-Asn(Trt) for Fmoc-Val, and Fmoc-Pro forFmoc-Ile. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleavedfrom resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLCusing C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes ina gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. Thepure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Asn-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 53 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Met-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Met for Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), Fmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amide resin forFmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide and coupling with Fmoc-Pro before couplingwith Fmoc-Arg(Pmc). Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Met-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 54 N-Ac-Pro-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, Fmoc-Pro for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion ofthe synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up. Thecrude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with asolvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can belyophilized to give N-Ac-Pro-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 55 N-Ac-Ile-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Ile for Fmoc-Val. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide canbe cleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purifiedby HPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Ile-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 56 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-NMeNva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-NMeNva for Fmoc-Nva and and using HATU instead of HBTU in thecoupling of NMeNva. Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-NMeNva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 57 N-Ac-His-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-His(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-D-Leu for Fmoc-D-Ile. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-His-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 58 N-Ac-Ala-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Ala for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-D-Leu for Fmoc-D-Ile. Upon completion ofthe synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up. Thecrude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with asolvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can belyophilized to give N-Ac-Ala-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 59 N-Ac-Nva-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Nva for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile. Upon completion ofthe synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin and worked-up. Thecrude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 column and with asolvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100%acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can belyophilized to give N-Ac-Nva-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 60 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-D-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 61 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val, Fmoc-D-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile andFmoc-Arg(Pbf)-[4-(4-N-ethyl)methyl-3-methoxyphenoxy]butyryl AM resin forFmoc-Pro Sieber ethylamide resin and omitting the coupling withFmoc-Arg(Pmc). Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 62 N-Ac-Gln-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂

The procedure described in Exaple 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val, Fmoc-D-aIle for Fmoc-D-Ile, andFmoc-D-Ala-Sieber amide resin for Fmoc-Pro-Sieber ethylamide andcoupling with Fmoc-Pro before coupling with Fmoc-Arg(Pmc). Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Gln-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 63 N-Ac-Asn-D-Hphe-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Asn(Trt) for Fmoc-Val and Fmoc-D-Hphe for Fmoc-D-Ile. Uponcompletion of the synthesis, the peptide can be cleaved from resin andworked-up. The crude peptide can be purified by HPLC using C-18 columnand with a solvent mixture varying over 50 minutes in a gradient from 5%to 100% acetonitrile-water containing 0.01% TFA. The pure fractions canbe lyophilized to give N-Ac-Asn-D-Hphe-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃ astrifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 64 N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile andFmoc-Arg(Pbf)-[4-(4-N-ethyl)methyl-3-methoxyphenoxy]butyryl AM resin forFmoc-Pro Sieber ethylamide resin and omitting the coupling withFmoc-Arg(Pmc). Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

EXAMPLE 65 N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃

The procedure described in Example 1 can be used but substitutingFmoc-Gln(Trt) for Fmoc-Val, Fmoc-Lys(Ac) for Fmoc-Ile, andFmoc-Arg(Pbf)-[4-(4-N-ethyl)methyl-3-methoxyphenoxy]butyryl AM resin forFmoc-Pro Sieber ethylamide resin and omitting the coupling withFmoc-Arg(Pmc). Upon completion of the synthesis, the peptide can becleaved from resin and worked-up. The crude peptide can be purified byHPLC using C-18 column and with a solvent mixture varying over 50minutes in a gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile-water containing0.01% TFA. The pure fractions can be lyophilized to giveN-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃ as trifluoroacetate salt.

It will be evident to one skilled in the art that the present inventionis not limited to the foregoing illustrative examples, and that it canbe embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essentialattributes thereof. It is therefore desired that the examples beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,reference being made to the appended claims, rather than to theforegoing examples, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

1. A compound of formula (I) (I) Xaa₁-Xaa₂-Xaa₃-Xaa₄-Xaa₅-Xaa₆-Xaa₇-(SEQ ID NO:1) Xaa₈-Xaa₉,

or a therapeutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Xaa₁ is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen and R—(CH₂)_(n)—C(O)—, wherein nis an integer from 0 to 8 and R is selected from the group consisting ofalkoxy, alkyl, amino, aryl, carboxyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, andheterocycle; Xaa₂ is selected from the group consisting of alanyl,(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopen-2-ene-4-carbonyl, asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl,t-butylglycyl, citrullyl, cyclohexylglycyl, glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl,glutamyl, glycyl, histidyl, isoleucyl, leucyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl),methionyl, norvalyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl, 3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl,homoseryl, seryl, thienylalanyl, threonyl, D-valyl, and valyl; Xaa₃ isselected from the group consisting of D-alanyl, D-alloisoleucyl,D-allylglycyl, D-4-chlorophenylalanyl, D-citrullyl,D-3-cyanophenylalanyl, D-homophenylalanyl, D-homoseryl, isoleucyl,D-isoleucyl, D-leucyl, N-methyl-D-leucyl, D-norleucyl, D-norvalyl,D-penicillaminyl, D-phenylalanyl, D-prolyl, D-seryl, D-thienylalanyl,and D-threonyl; Xaa₄ is selected from the group consisting ofallothreonyl, aspartyl, glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl, N-methylglutaminyl,glycyl, histidyl, homoseryl, isoleucyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl),methionyl, D-norvalyl, N-methylnorvalyl, seryl, N-methylseryl, threonyl,D-threonyl, tryptyl, tyrosyl, tyrosyl(O-methyl), and N-methylvalyl; Xaa₅is selected from the group consisting of alanyl, N-methylalanyl,allothreonyl, arginyl, glutaminyl, glycyl, homoseryl, leucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norleucyl, norvalyl, D-norvalyl,N-methylnorvalyl, octylglycyl, ornithyl(N-delta acetyl),3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, sarcosyl, seryl, N-methylseryl, threonyl, tryptyl,valyl, and N-methylvalyl; Xaa₆ is selected from the group consisting ofalanyl, alloisoleucyl, aspartyl, citrullyl, isoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,N-methylisoleucyl, leucyl, D-leucyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl),D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norvalyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl, and D-prolyl;Xaa₇ is selected from the group consisting of arginyl, D-arginyl,citrullyl, histidyl, homoarginyl, lysyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-isopropyl),ornithyl, and 3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl; Xaa₈ is absent or selected from thegroup consisting of N-methyl-D-alanyl, 2-aminobutyryl,2-aminoisobutyryl, D-glutaminyl, homoprolyl, hydroxyprolyl, leucyl,phenylalanyl, prolyl, D-prolyl, and D-valyl; and Xaa₉ is selected fromthe group consisting of D-alanylamide, azaglycylamide, glycylamide,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide, D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide,—NHCH(CH₃)₂, a group represented by the formula —NH—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹R²,and a group represented by the formula —NHR³, wherein n is an integerfrom 0 to 8; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,alkyl, cycloalkenyl, and cycloalkyl; R² is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl,heterocycle, and hydroxyl, with the proviso that when n is 0, R² isother than alkoxy or hydroxyl; and R³ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, and hydroxyl.
 2. Thecompound according to claim 1 wherein Xaa₁ is R—(CH₂)_(n)—C(O)—; n is 0;R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and heterocycle,wherein the alkyl is methyl, and wherein the heterocycle is6-methylpyridinyl; Xaa₂ is selected from the group consisting of alanyl,(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl, asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl,glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl, histidyl, homoseryl, isoleucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), norvalyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl,3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, thienylalanyl, threonyl, valyl, and D-valyl; Xaa₃is selected from the group consisting of D-alloisoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,D-leucyl, and D-homophenylalanyl; Xaa₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of allothreonyl, methionyl, N-methylvalyl, N-methylnorvalyl,D-norvalyl, seryl, threonyl, and tyrosyl; Xaa₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of glutaminyl, norvalyl, and seryl; Xaa₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of isoleucyl, D-isoleucyl,lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), D-lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl), and prolyl; Xaa₇ isselected from the group consisting of citrullyl and arginyl; and Xaa₈ isabsent or selected from the group consisting of prolyl and D-prolyl; andXaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of D-alanylamide, —NHCH₂CH₃,—NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, and lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide.
 3. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein Xaa₇ is arginyl.
 4. The compound of claim 3 wherein Xaa₉is D-alanylamide.
 5. The compound of claim 4 selected from the groupconsisting of N-Ac-Thi-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂;N-Ac-Phe-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Met-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂; andN-Ac-Gln-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-D-AlaNH₂.


6. The compound of claim 3 wherein Xaa₉ is selected from the groupconsisting of —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, NH₂, andlysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl)amide.
 7. The compound of claim 6 wherein Xaa₂ isselected from the group consisting of valyl and D-valyl.
 8. The compoundof claim 7 selected from the group consisting ofN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-(6-Me-nicotinyl)-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro- NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-D-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-D-Nva-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-D-Nva-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH(CH₃)₂;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Ser-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys(Ac)NH₂;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Tyr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-NMeVal-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Thr-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-D-Pro-NH₂;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Gln-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Ser-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-NMeNva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃; andN-Ac-Val-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃.


9. The compound of claim 6 wherein Xaa₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of asparaginyl, D-asparaginyl, lysyl(N-epsilon-acetyl),norvalyl, prolyl, and thienylalanyl.
 10. The compound of claim 9selected from the group consisting ofN-Ac-Pro-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Thi-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Lys(Ac)-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-DAsn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Nva-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Gln-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Asn-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Asn-D-Leu-Ser-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Asn-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Pro-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Pro-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Nva-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃; andN-Ac-Asn-D-Hphe-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃.


11. The compound of claim 6 wherein Xaa₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of alanyl, (1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl,glutaminyl, D-glutaminyl, histidyl, homoseryl, isoleucyl, phenylalanyl,3-(3-pyridyl)alanyl, and threonyl.
 12. The compound of claim 11 selectedfrom the group consisting ofN-Ac-D-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-D-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-[(1R,4S)-1-aminocyclopent-2-ene-4-carbonyl]-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Thr-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Phe-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Hser-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Tyr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-3-Pal-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-alloThr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-aIle-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Ile-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-His-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Ala-D-Leu-Thr-Nva-Ile-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Lys(Ac)-Arg-Pro-NHCH₂CH₃;N-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-D-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃; andN-Ac-Gln-D-Ile-Thr-Nva-Lys(Ac)-Arg-NHCH₂CH₃.


13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of claim 1, or a therapeuticallyacceptable salt thereof, in combination with a therapeuticallyacceptable carrier.
 17. A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammalin recognized need of such treatment comprising administering to themammal a therapeutically acceptable amount of a compound of claim 1 or atherapeutically acceptable salt thereof.
 18. A method of treating cancerin a mammal in recognized need of such treatment comprisingadministering to the mammal a therapeutically acceptable amount of acompound of claim 1 or a therapeutically acceptable salt thereof.